HB564 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Harry Shiver

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Corrections Department, inmates prohibited from possessing mobile telephones, wireless communication devices, visitors, giving or selling device to inmate, prohibited, search and confiscation provisions, notice, contracts for detection, penalties

Summary

HB564 would bar inmates in Alabama from possessing cell phones or other wireless devices (or computers that transfer computer programs), set penalties for violations, require confiscation of such devices from inmates or visitors, and let the corrections department contract to detect unauthorized inmate communications.

What This Bill Does

The bill makes it illegal for an inmate to possess a cellular phone, wireless device, or a computer that can transfer programs, and it creates criminal penalties for violations. It also allows confiscation of such devices from visitors found during searches, and requires notices about the search and confiscation provisions. Additionally, the Alabama Department of Corrections could enter into contracts to detect unauthorized inmate communications, and inmates who use these devices to communicate must identify themselves with their name and inmate ID.

Who It Affects

• Inmates in the Alabama Department of Corrections: cannot possess cellular phones, wireless devices, or computers that transfer programs; violations carry a Class A misdemeanor and may require identity disclosure when communicating.
• Visitors to inmates: if found with such devices during searches or metal detector checks, the device shall be confiscated and notices must be posted about the searches.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits inmates from possessing cellular phones, wireless devices, or computers that allow input/output/examination/transfer of computer programs to or from another person, with exceptions as authorized by law.
• Prohibits possession of such devices by anyone with intent to deliver or who delivers them to an inmate.
• Criminal penalties: a violation is a Class A misdemeanor; the act should not be construed to repeal other criminal laws.
• Inmates who communicate via these devices must provide their identity and inmate identification number to the other person.
• Visitors found with such devices during searches or metal detector checks face confiscation of the device; notices must be posted in areas where visitors are searched.
• The Alabama Department of Corrections may enter into contracts to detect unauthorized inmate communications using cellular or wireless devices.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor’s approval, and is exempt from local-funding requirements under Amendment 621 because it creates a new crime.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses